NRL convert Joseph Sua’ali’i leads Wallabies to win over England

Australia defeated England on Sunday morning (AEDT) at the Allianz Stadium in London, with recent rugby league convert Joseph Sua’ali’i starring in the 42-37 win.

Having lost five of their last six Tests, the Wallabies were $5.50 underdogs at Neds Bookmaker to win against England, but scored in the 84th minute to seal a last gasp upset victory over world No.5’s England.

Sua’ali’i hit the ground running, looking dangerous on attack and providing the kind of flair that Australia have been missing.

The 21-year-old, who is on a $5 million, three-year rugby union contract with the Wallabies, helped set up his team’s first try, getting the ball through to Tom Wright on the wing in the 26th minute.

England had already run in two tries by this stage, with forward Chandler Cunningham-South crossing over twice in the first 12 minutes to give the hosts a 15-3 lead.

Australia continued their second quarter momentum, however, scoring once more and adding a penalty to go into the break ahead 20-18.

A try soon after half-time gave Australia a commanding 28-18 lead, which England soon eroded through a dominant 20 minutes of play that had Ollie Sleightholme add two tries for a 30-28 lead.

The momentum swings continued, with three tries in the final 10 minutes of the match – first to Australia’s Andrew Kellaway, then to England’s Mario Itoje, before the match winner after the hooter to Max Jorgensen.

“Putting on a Wallabies jersey is a very special thing for my family and I,” Sua’ali’i said after the match.

“Honestly, I had so much fun out there.

“It was just great to be a part of it and get the win.

“I just stuck to the process. I’ve been playing footy since I was four years old…

“I just wanted to get involved early and the game has come naturally to myself.

“My teammates played their role in helping me fix what I’m missing throughout the game too, so a big credit goes to them as well.

“I’m just coming in trying to be myself but I’m loving all the energy from the boys.”

Next up Australia faces Wales in Cardiff on Monday morning (AEDT), where they will pursue back-to-back victories for the first time since July.

Currently, the leading Rugby Union bookmakers do not have odds available for this match

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